Camp Guide

Youth empowerment and social justice camps

Find the top youth empowerment and social justice summer camps and programs

Looking for a youth empowerment camp? These camps, also called “social justice camps,” can be found across Canada and the United States. They can be a great option for teens and preteens looking for a challenge and who want to expand their horizons. Below, we list youth empowerment and social justice camps in Canada and the United States. Click on a camp’s profile to learn more about it, including its location, cost, programming, and session dates. You can also click through to a camp’s website and register your child for a summer session today. Read more

List of youth empowerment and social justice camps and programs

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Camps and programs directly below focus on helping kids and teens develop their passion for leadership and social action.

	Info	Cost	Ages	Relevance	Locations
YMCA of Greater Vancouver Vancouver; Gibsons Traditional (multi activity) Day camp, Overnight camp, Family camp There’s something about camp that brings out the best in us. Whether it’s sailing, hiking or uncovering leadership potential, YMCA's spring and summer camps provide children ages 5-17 with a memorable experience. Read more... Ages 5 to 17 Coed from $139/session View profile	Day camp, Overnight camp, Family camp Coed	139	5-17	0	Vancouver, British Columbia, Gibsons, British Columbia	Traditional (multi activity) YMCA of Greater VancouverThere’s something about camp that brings out the best in us. Whether it’s sailing, hiking or uncovering leadership potential, YMCA's spring and summer camps provide children ages 5-17 with a memorable experience. Vancouver, British Columbia, Gibsons, British Columbia Day camp, Overnight camp, Family camp Coed

Camps and programs offer activities related to leadership and social activism among a variety of other camp activities.

	Info	Cost	Ages	Relevance	Locations
featured Camp Courage - Girls Who Fight Scarborough Junction, Toronto; Markham; Davisville Village, Toronto Sport: Martial Arts Day camp A self defense and confidence camp where girls learn empowering self defense techniques, as well as how to speak assertively, walk confidently, and improve situational awareness. Read more... Ages 8 to 15 Girls from $365/week View profile	Day camp Girls	365	8-15	0	Scarborough Junction, Toronto, Ontario, Markham, Ontario, Davisville Village, Toronto, Ontario	Sport: Martial ArtsCamp Courage - Girls Who FightA self defense and confidence camp where girls learn empowering self defense techniques, as well as how to speak assertively, walk confidently, and improve situational awareness. Scarborough Junction, Toronto, Ontario, Markham, Ontario, Davisville Village, Toronto, Ontario Day camp Girls
featured Rotherglen Summer Camp Oakville Traditional (multi activity) Day camp Summer Camps will include Robotics, STEM, Drama, Art, Sports and Cooking Camps, all taking advantage of our beautiful new state of the art facility. Registration opens Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. Read more... Ages 6 to 14 Coed from $340/week View profile	Day camp Coed	340	6-14	1	Oakville, Ontario	Traditional (multi activity) Rotherglen Summer CampSummer Camps will include Robotics, STEM, Drama, Art, Sports and Cooking Camps, all taking advantage of our beautiful new state of the art facility. Registration opens Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. Oakville, Ontario Day camp Coed
featured Ontario Educational Leadership Centre Washago Education: Leadership Overnight camp Leadership training for students in Grades 6-12 in the arts, athletics, French language sports, SHSM, school leadership and more. Leadership courses are facilitated by qualified Ontario Teachers. #WeLead Read more... Ages 10 to 18 Coed from $240/program View profile	Overnight camp Coed	240	10-18	2	Washago, Ontario	Education: LeadershipOntario Educational Leadership CentreLeadership training for students in Grades 6-12 in the arts, athletics, French language sports, SHSM, school leadership and more. Leadership courses are facilitated by qualified Ontario Teachers. #WeLead Washago, Ontario Overnight camp Coed
featured Power of Words Academy Don Mills, Toronto; Markham Education (multi) Day camp, Program Creative Writing & Drama Camps \| Reading Comprehension, Writing & Public Speaking School Year Program. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, we are offering online courses for kids ages 10 to 14. Read more... Ages 7 to 14 Coed from $200/week View profile	Day camp, Program Coed	200	7-14	3	Don Mills, Toronto, Ontario, Markham, Ontario	Education (multi)Power of Words AcademyCreative Writing & Drama Camps \| Reading Comprehension, Writing & Public Speaking School Year Program. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, we are offering online courses for kids ages 10 to 14. Don Mills, Toronto, Ontario, Markham, Ontario Day camp, Program Coed
featured Camp Can-Aqua Haliburton Highlands; Oakville; Ottawa Traditional (multi activity) Overnight camp, Family camp A traditional camp with diverse programming & exceptional instruction, we believe in teaching kids compromise, patients & empathy. Fun is a given. Through thoughtful & individualized programming, our campers thrive here. Read more... Ages 5 to 17 Coed from $1,950/2 weeks View profile	Overnight camp, Family camp Coed	1950	5-17	4	Haliburton Highlands, Ontario, Oakville, Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario	Traditional (multi activity) Camp Can-AquaA traditional camp with diverse programming & exceptional instruction, we believe in teaching kids compromise, patients & empathy. Fun is a given. Through thoughtful & individualized programming, our campers thrive here. Haliburton Highlands, Ontario, Oakville, Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario Overnight camp, Family camp Coed
Outward Bound Canada Alberta (1); British Columbia (1); Canada (1); New Brunswick (1); Ontario (1) Adventure (multi) Overnight camp Outward Bound Canada provides challenging adventures in the outdoors across the country that develop self-respect, awareness of others, interpersonal skills, and a sense of accomplishment. Read more... Ages 12 to 99 Coed, Girls, Boys from $779/week View profile	Overnight camp Coed, Girls, Boys	779	12-99	5	Kananaskis, Vancouver Island, Throughout Canada, Grand Manan, Algonquin Park	Adventure (multi)Outward Bound CanadaOutward Bound Canada provides challenging adventures in the outdoors across the country that develop self-respect, awareness of others, interpersonal skills, and a sense of accomplishment. Kananaskis, Vancouver Island, Throughout Canada, Grand Manan, Algonquin Park Overnight camp Coed, Girls, Boys
Lakefield Camp International Lakefield Traditional (multi activity) Overnight camp Lakefield Camp is a traditional Canadian overnight summer camp that offers various outdoor & indoor land/water sports & activities, from sailing to theater arts, a complete ropes course, language classes & so much more! Read more... Ages 9 to 17 Coed from $1,400/week View profile	Overnight camp Coed	1400	9-17	6	Lakefield, Ontario	Traditional (multi activity) Lakefield Camp InternationalLakefield Camp is a traditional Canadian overnight summer camp that offers various outdoor & indoor land/water sports & activities, from sailing to theater arts, a complete ropes course, language classes & so much more! Lakefield, Ontario Overnight camp Coed
Science North Camps Ontario (6) Education: STEM Day camp Science North offers innovative and stimulating PA Day, holiday and summer camps that introduce children to the worlds of science, technology, engineering and math. Camps are available for 4-11 year olds. Read more... Ages 4 to 14 Coed from $153/week View profile	Day camp Coed	153	4-14	7	City of Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Barrie, North Bay, Kenora	Education: STEMScience North CampsScience North offers innovative and stimulating PA Day, holiday and summer camps that introduce children to the worlds of science, technology, engineering and math. Camps are available for 4-11 year olds. City of Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Barrie, North Bay, Kenora Day camp Coed
Brain Power Enrichment Programs Vaughan Academic/Tutoring: Instructor lead (group) Program With more than 30 years of success, Brain Power is an innovative leader in enrichment education for bright and gifted students. Brain Power is a transformative model for what gifted education should be about in the GTA. Read more... Ages 6 to 18 Coed from $325/program View profile	Program Coed	325	6-18	8	Vaughan, Ontario	Academic/Tutoring: Instructor lead (group)Brain Power Enrichment ProgramsWith more than 30 years of success, Brain Power is an innovative leader in enrichment education for bright and gifted students. Brain Power is a transformative model for what gifted education should be about in the GTA. Vaughan, Ontario Program Coed
UTS: Experience Innovation Trinity Bellwoods, Toronto; South Annex, Toronto Education (multi) Day camp A day camp for high-achieving and eager student aged 9 to 18. The UTS affiliation with UofT means that campers are taught by exceptional teachers, teacher candidates, field experts and university instructors. Read more... Ages 11 to 18 Coed from $585/session View profile	Day camp Coed	585	11-18	9	Trinity Bellwoods, Toronto, Ontario, South Annex, Toronto, Ontario	Education (multi)UTS: Experience InnovationA day camp for high-achieving and eager student aged 9 to 18. The UTS affiliation with UofT means that campers are taught by exceptional teachers, teacher candidates, field experts and university instructors. Trinity Bellwoods, Toronto, Ontario, South Annex, Toronto, Ontario Day camp Coed
Bytown Brigantine Tall Ships Adventure Ontario (2); United States (4) Travel Overnight camp An outdoor adventure camp on a tall ship: building leadership, good citizenship & lifelong friendships. Ages 12-14 on Black Jack in small team-building groups & ages 14+ on Fair Jeanne, earning HS credit on select trips. Read more... Ages 12 to 18 Coed from $900/session View profile	Overnight camp Coed	900	12-18	10	Brockville, Harbourfront, Toronto, Maine, Rhode Island, New Hampshire	TravelBytown Brigantine Tall Ships AdventureAn outdoor adventure camp on a tall ship: building leadership, good citizenship & lifelong friendships. Ages 12-14 on Black Jack in small team-building groups & ages 14+ on Fair Jeanne, earning HS credit on select trips. Brockville, Harbourfront, Toronto, Maine, Rhode Island, New Hampshire Overnight camp Coed
Behaviour Matters Lawrence Heights, Toronto Education: Leadership Program, Family camp Focused on developing social skills, emotional/self-regulation and self confidence. Programs are interactive, skills, and strength-based, consisting of games, team building; role-plays, art, discussions, take-home tasks. Read more... Ages 4 to 18 Coed, Girls, Boys from $600/group View profile	Program, Family camp Coed, Girls, Boys	600	4-18	11	Lawrence Heights, Toronto, Ontario	Education: LeadershipBehaviour MattersFocused on developing social skills, emotional/self-regulation and self confidence. Programs are interactive, skills, and strength-based, consisting of games, team building; role-plays, art, discussions, take-home tasks. Lawrence Heights, Toronto, Ontario Program, Family camp Coed, Girls, Boys
Explorer Hop Leaside, Toronto Education: Entrepreneurship Day camp, Program, Family camp Featured in BBC. A camp where kids learn about Entrepreneurship, Money Management, Innovation, Debate Camp and even get to create their own board game! Read more... Ages 6 to 14 Coed from $350/week View profile	Day camp, Program, Family camp Coed	350	6-14	12	Leaside, Toronto, Ontario	Education: EntrepreneurshipExplorer HopFeatured in BBC. A camp where kids learn about Entrepreneurship, Money Management, Innovation, Debate Camp and even get to create their own board game! Leaside, Toronto, Ontario Day camp, Program, Family camp Coed
The Hoop Factory Ajax; Markham; Downtown East, Toronto Sport: Basketball Day camp Camp/program teaching the fundamentals in basketball, balance, footwork to players at all levels. A fun, high energy camp for boys/girls of all ages. Christmas Holiday-March Break-Summer Break #BuildingBetterBallers Read more... Ages 5 to 18 Coed from $200/week View profile	Day camp Coed	200	5-18	13	Ajax, Ontario, Markham, Ontario, Downtown East, Toronto, Ontario	Sport: BasketballThe Hoop FactoryCamp/program teaching the fundamentals in basketball, balance, footwork to players at all levels. A fun, high energy camp for boys/girls of all ages. Christmas Holiday-March Break-Summer Break #BuildingBetterBallers Ajax, Ontario, Markham, Ontario, Downtown East, Toronto, Ontario Day camp Coed
Learn & Experience Shawnigan Lake; International Traditional (multi activity) Overnight camp L&E World Camps inspires & nurtures young people with their award winning multi-activity programs in Canada and Europe. The camps can be combined with L&E Teen Travel trips to create a summer experience of a lifetime. Read more... Ages 8 to 16 Coed from $750/week View profile	Overnight camp Coed	750	8-16	14	Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia, International,	Traditional (multi activity) Learn & ExperienceL&E World Camps inspires & nurtures young people with their award winning multi-activity programs in Canada and Europe. The camps can be combined with L&E Teen Travel trips to create a summer experience of a lifetime. Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia, International, Overnight camp Coed
Radiant Girls Burlington; Hamilton Education: Leadership Day camp, Overnight camp, Program, Family camp Girls Wellness & Leadership programs, with prof. coaches, chef's and trainers. Featuring Yoga/Pilates, Outdoor Adventures, Confidence & EI Activities, Meaningful Art, Leadership Games, Relationship Building, and More! Read more... Ages 7 to 16 Girls from $479/week View profile	Day camp, Overnight camp, Program, Family camp Girls	479	7-16	15	Burlington, Ontario, Hamilton, Ontario	Education: LeadershipRadiant GirlsGirls Wellness & Leadership programs, with prof. coaches, chef's and trainers. Featuring Yoga/Pilates, Outdoor Adventures, Confidence & EI Activities, Meaningful Art, Leadership Games, Relationship Building, and More! Burlington, Ontario, Hamilton, Ontario Day camp, Overnight camp, Program, Family camp Girls
French International Language Camps International Education: Language Instruction Day camp, Overnight camp English students learning French mix with French students learning English in this innovative program in the French Alps. Sports and other activities are an important part of the experience, along with language lessons. Read more... Ages 6 to 17 Coed from $2,540/week View profile	Day camp, Overnight camp Coed	2540	6-17	16	International, Other	Education: Language InstructionFrench International Language CampsEnglish students learning French mix with French students learning English in this innovative program in the French Alps. Sports and other activities are an important part of the experience, along with language lessons. International, Other Day camp, Overnight camp Coed
Hollows Camp Bradford Traditional (multi activity) Day camp, Overnight camp A traditional overnight and day camp located 1 hour north of Toronto. Activities include: canoeing & kayaking, archery, paintball, tennis, trampoline/circus, horseback riding, bushcraft, drama, arts, and swimming. Read more... Ages 7 to 15 Coed from $400/week View profile	Day camp, Overnight camp Coed	400	7-15	17	Bradford, Ontario	Traditional (multi activity) Hollows CampA traditional overnight and day camp located 1 hour north of Toronto. Activities include: canoeing & kayaking, archery, paintball, tennis, trampoline/circus, horseback riding, bushcraft, drama, arts, and swimming. Bradford, Ontario Day camp, Overnight camp Coed
Ross Creek Centre for the Arts Canning Art (multi) Day camp, Overnight camp, Program, Family camp SummerArts combines the best of camp with the best of the arts, with great food, a full rec schedule, campfire, and of course a core of incredible arts programming, all on a beautiful campus overlooking the Bay of Fundy. Read more... Ages 5 to 18 Coed from $290/week View profile	Day camp, Overnight camp, Program, Family camp Coed	290	5-18	18	Canning, Nova Scotia	Art (multi)Ross Creek Centre for the ArtsSummerArts combines the best of camp with the best of the arts, with great food, a full rec schedule, campfire, and of course a core of incredible arts programming, all on a beautiful campus overlooking the Bay of Fundy. Canning, Nova Scotia Day camp, Overnight camp, Program, Family camp Coed
Block 8 Academy Port Moody Traditional (multi activity) Day camp, Program Active, fun weekly camps with a variety of activities ranging including cooking, parkour, lake days, STEM class, improv, theatre and the arts. We keep your child active and encourage their creativity! Read more... Ages 5 to 12 Coed from $50/day View profile	Day camp, Program Coed	50	5-12	19	Port Moody, British Columbia	Traditional (multi activity) Block 8 AcademyActive, fun weekly camps with a variety of activities ranging including cooking, parkour, lake days, STEM class, improv, theatre and the arts. We keep your child active and encourage their creativity! Port Moody, British Columbia Day camp, Program Coed
Brentwood College School Summer Camps Mill Bay Traditional (multi activity) Day camp, Overnight camp Located on beautiful Vancouver Island, Brentwood College School offers focused camps for Soccer, Academics, Rowing, Rock Band, Debate, and Musical Theatre for kids aged 7 to 17. Read more... Ages 7 to 17 Coed from $200/week View profile	Day camp, Overnight camp Coed	200	7-17	20	Mill Bay, British Columbia	Traditional (multi activity) Brentwood College School Summer CampsLocated on beautiful Vancouver Island, Brentwood College School offers focused camps for Soccer, Academics, Rowing, Rock Band, Debate, and Musical Theatre for kids aged 7 to 17. Mill Bay, British Columbia Day camp, Overnight camp Coed

What is a youth empowerment camp?

Youth empowerment camps are intended primarily for teens and “tweens,” ranging in age from 8 to 18. They offer training, workshops, and exercises in social justice and leadership.

These camps offer programs on a wide range of local and global issues. These may include

Poverty
The environment
Racism
Bullying
Conflict resolution
Sexuality
Culture
Religion

Of course, youth empowerment camps aren’t just about social activism and education. They can also be great fun! Most also have many of the same exciting activities you’ll find at other traditional camps. This includes campfires, swimming, dancing, music, games, arts and crafts, sports, and more.

Many of these are residential (or overnight) camps, with programs of various lengths, including one week, two weeks, one month, and two months. Some day camps, though, also offer youth empowerment and social justice programs.

Why should my child go to a youth empowerment camp?

Youth empowerment and social justice camps are a nice fit for those who care about the world and want to make a difference. If your child is interested in social issues, wants to connect with a like-minded community, and is interested in new experiences, one of these camps may be a perfect fit.

These camps teach kids important skills and values. This can help your child to thrive in the teen years and grow into a confident, responsible, and passionate adult. Skills learned vary between camps, but may include

Leadership
Social activism
Communication
Group management
Debate and public speaking
Compassion
Creativity
Facilitation
Community and team building

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